Silence filled the Alpha's study after Kael spoke. The pendant rested on the table, the Ironvale crest glinting faintly in the firelight. Aria, still holding baby Ash in her arms, stepped deeper into the room. Her silver-blue eyes scanned the faces of everyone present.
Ash was calm. Too calm. His tiny hand gripped her shirt, but his eyes, wide and watching, were locked on Kael.
Alpha Thorne cleared his throat, breaking the heavy silence. "Moira," he said.
She stepped forward and gently took Ash from Aria, murmuring, "He should rest. The child does not need to hear the weight of war."
Ash did not cry. Even as Moira left the room, he kept his gaze on Kael. It was like he understood everything.
"Why did you ask the witch to take him away? He is just a child, can't understand anything." Kael asked.
"With the way he is looking, watching, I doubt so. He has Alpha blood." Alpha Throne replied.
By morning, word had spread. A secret council was called.
